Chapter 590: Kong Biao and Chen Ju

After finishing his conversation with Chen Ji, Xu Shaochen was heading downstairs when Brother Hai’s car arrived.

“Brother Xu.”

Sun Hai rolled down the window and flashed a smile at Xu Shaochen.

“I’ll ride with Chairman Sun. You guys follow us in the car.”

Xu Shaochen said to Long Yi and then got into Sun Hai’s car, sitting beside him.

“Brother Hai, how much do you know about that estate?”

Once inside, Xu Shaochen turned to Sun Hai and asked.

Sun Hai paused for a moment before replying, “Honestly, I don’t know much, but it’s definitely big enough to meet your needs.”

“Alright, as long as it’s big enough. Anything else can be fixed with money.”

Xu Shaochen nodded. As long as the place was spacious, even if it was a bit old, money could easily refurbish it.

After all, if money can solve a problem, it’s not really a problem.

“The location is near Hua’e Mountain. It’ll take about half an hour to drive there from here.”

……………

Meanwhile…

Jiangzhou Grand Hotel.

“Second Uncle, when are we going to find Xu Shaochen?”

In the room, Kong Tianjing was sitting on the sofa, eating the breakfast brought in by the waiter, while watching Kong Biao, who was admiring the view from the window.

“No rush. We’ve got another matter to take care of besides the special medicine formula this time in Jiangzhou.”

Kong Biao didn’t turn his head as he spoke.

Although he was known for being domineering and reckless, he knew that Jiangzhou was Xu Shaochen’s territory. Getting the special medicine formula back wouldn’t be easy.

So, we’ll handle the easier task first and deal with the tougher one later.

“What’s that?”

Kong Tianjing asked curiously. He had thought Kong Biao came solely for the special medicine formula.

“Several large gold mines have been discovered near Qinghua County. Several companies from the capital have arrived. Our Kong Family doesn’t need much; just securing one of the mines will be enough.”

Kong Biao gazed into the distance with an indifferent expression. He suddenly realized that Jiangzhou was almost as prosperous as Jingcheng.

The only difference was probably that Jingcheng had countless officials and nobles, while Jiangzhou had more wealthy people.

In a place like Jingcheng, throw a brick on the street, and it might just hit a department head.

In Jingcheng, if your family doesn’t have real power, even if you’re rich, you have to keep a low profile because you never know who you might offend.

But in a place like Jiangzhou, money is king. With money, you can walk sideways.

“A gold mine?”

Kong Tianjing was taken aback and then asked no more, focusing on his breakfast.

He knew that even if he asked, Kong Biao wouldn’t tell him.

In the eyes of the family elders, he was just a worthless, hedonistic, and arrogant loser.

So anything important or any decisions made within the family had nothing to do with him.

He pretended not to care on the surface, but every time this happened, his heart was full of anger and resentment, but mostly helplessness.

Kong Tianjing was the kind of person with grand ambitions but little ability, summarized in one phrase: no self-awareness.

“Knock, knock, knock…”

Just then, a knock on the door broke the silence.

“Go open the door.”

Kong Biao ordered without turning around.

Kong Tianjing put down his breakfast and obediently went to open the door.

He was surprised to see Chen Ju outside the door.

“What, Kong Tianjing? Haven’t seen me for a few days, and now you don’t recognize me?”

Chen Ju looked at Kong Tianjing with a faint smile.

Kong Tianjing snapped back to reality and quickly responded with a grin, “How could that be? It’s just that I’m a bit surprised and delighted to see Young Master Chen here. Truly, a reunion of old friends. Please, come in.”

“Second Uncle, Young Master Chen is here.”

“Second Uncle Kong, long time no see. You’re as imposing as ever. Truly admirable.”

Chen Ju greeted Kong Biao respectfully, though he wasn’t truly being deferent.

“Hahaha, Chen Ju, stop flattering me. Your family sent you, the eldest son, all the way here. Isn’t that a bit of overkill?”

Kong Biao laughed heartily and patted Chen Ju on the shoulder as he stepped forward.

Chen Ju was the eldest son of the Chen Family. No matter how arrogant and domineering he could be, Kong Biao had to show some courtesy towards this future heir of the Chen Family.

At this moment, why else would Chen Ju come to Jiangzhou other than for those gold mines in Qinghua County?

Besides, I’m the most useless person in the Chen Family. This can hardly be considered making a mountain out of a molehill. It’s my first time in Jiangzhou—unfamiliar territory for me. When I heard you were here, Second Uncle, I came straight away to pay my respects. I hope you can take care of me.”

Although Chen Ju spoke humbly, his tone was full of arrogance. He maintained his composure, neither humble nor overbearing, throughout the conversation with Kong Biao.

“Have a seat here; Tianjing, bring some tea.”

Kong Biao invited Chen Ju to take a seat while instructing Kong Tianjing to serve tea.

“Second Uncle Kong, I won’t sit down. I’m here with a request, besides paying my respects.”

Chen Ju sighed, trying to look embarrassed.

Kong Biao paused, then with a self-assured air, said, “What is it? If you call me Uncle, then as long as I can help, I certainly won’t stand on ceremony.”

“It’s like this, Second Uncle Kong. I have a friend surnamed Xu named Xu Shaochen. He might have had a misunderstanding with Kong Tianjing in Yijing. I hope you can see it in your heart to resolve this peacefully and let bygones be bygones.”

Chen Ju said with a smile. He assumed Kong Biao came solely for the gold mines and never imagined there was also the matter of the special medicine formula.

Hearing this, Kong Biao and Kong Tianjing’s faces changed slightly. How did Chen Ju get involved with Xu Shaochen?

Seeing that Kong Biao remained silent, Chen Ju continued, “I’m genuinely curious. I wonder what the misunderstanding between my friend and Kong Tianjing is. Perhaps you could tell me so I can help mediate. After all, it’s always better to mend a rift than to make one.”

“Hahaha, it’s no big deal. Just youthful jealousy, that’s all. Since you’ve brought it up, I wouldn’t get too worked up over it now.”

Kong Biao laughed heartily. Just as Xu Shaochen predicted, there was no way he would tell Chen Ju about the special medicine formula. Why give himself another competitor for no reason?

Then, Kong Biao looked at Chen Ju with a smirk, “Chen Ju, you’re not being honest. Just a moment ago, you said you were unfamiliar with Jiangzhou, but now, it turns out you’re friends with Xu Corporation’s Young Master. I should be the one asking you to look after me.”

“Second Uncle, are you teasing your nephew? Everyone in Jingcheng knows about your influence. There’s no need for me to take care of you. Second Uncle, I have something else to attend to, so I’ll be leaving now and won’t disturb you further.”

As soon as Chen Ju finished speaking, he walked out without waiting for Kong Biao to respond.

Although he had addressed Kong Biao as ‘Uncle’ from the moment he entered, he had controlled the conversation from start to finish.